Creative Process and Mission

Resonance was born from a need to share complex, authentic Asian American stories on stage and to provide a space where AAPI, POC, and queer identities feel seen and celebrated. This process has been deeply personal—each piece represents a facet of my own journey, the dancers’ experiences, and the realities we navigate in our community. Moving from the familiarity of the Southern California competetive street dance and dance industry scene to New York’s concert dance environment, I found myself re-evaluating how I approach movement and choreography. My background in ballet, jazz, and modern dance initially framed my movement style, and I began to question the inherent biases this had built, especially toward Eurocentric aesthetics.

Resonance became an opportunity to discover choreography that honors both contemporary and street dance influences in ways that feel true to my identity and respectful to the culture’s roots.In Risky Business, we explore the tension between societal expectations and self-expression. We use a militant groove motif, symbolizing the structures that keep us in line, even as we break away to assert our identities. My dancers and I shared conversations about what it means to feel “othered,” to exist between cultural expectations, and to navigate assimilation—stories that underpin the movement and break out into moments of individuality before being drawn back in. False Narratives shifts focus to the internal, confronting social anxiety and the sometimes overwhelming world of social dynamics. With an interplay of jazz and social dance, the piece embodies a storytelling approach that is deeply personal, inspired by the grounding force of friendships that help me step out of my head. In contrast, Solace explores themes of trauma and healing. Expansive movements give way to chaos and release, embodying both generational pain and the solace found within community.

Working with my dancers is an intimate, collaborative journey. Our process often starts with shared stories, conversations, and guided improvisation, making each piece a reflection of both their voices and mine. Dance therapy has further influenced how I consider movement as a healing practice, emphasizing the importance of “meeting people where they are”—a notion that shapes not only the movement in Solace but the way we create together. It’s the dancers who bring depth to each story, and I hope that in these dances, they feel a part of themselves is represented.The club dance sections at the end of the show celebrate self-acceptance and pride, culminating a journey from societal pressure and identity discovery to unapologetic joy. This final chapter is about embracing who we are, in every complexity, and inviting everyone in the room to celebrate with us.

With Resonance, I hope AAPI, POC, and queer audience members see themselves onstage and feel a renewed sense of pride in our shared experiences. For others, I hope this performance fosters an appreciation for our humanity, resilience, and the stories that shape us. The night market experience adds to this, offering a space for connection, reflection, and celebration of Asian, queer, and street dance culture. In doing so, we hope to spark memories, create joy, and foster a world that sees us, hears us, and celebrates us as we are.